Michael Beasley Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Odds & Ends: Beasley, Pelicans, Lawal

October 7th, 2013 at 9:36pm CST by Zachary Links

There are tons of intriguing minimum-contract players around the league this year, writes HoopsWorld’s Mark Deeks. Omri Casspi of the Rockets had 20 points off of 9-10 shooting in his preseason debut while the Lakers‘ Xavier Henry had 29 points of his own. DeJuan Blair, Anthony Morrow, Chris Andersen, Aaron Brooks, and Antawn Jamison are just some of the other notable vets playing on bargain basement deals in 2013/14. Here’s tonight’s look around the Association..

Heat forward Michael Beasley is changing agents, according to Guido Guida of La Gazzetta (via Twitter). The former No. 2 overall pick left Jeff Schwartz to join up with Jared Karnes of A3 Allegiant Athletic Agency. You can keep up with everyone’s representation using the Hoops Rumors Agency Database.
Jimmy Smith of the Times-Picayune looks at Arinze Onuaku‘s quest to make the Pelicans roster and his journey getting there.
Sixers newcomer Gani Lawal plans on sticking around in the NBA for a while, writes Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The forward believes that if he hadn’t torn his ACL as a rookie with the Suns in 2010, he’d be an NBA starter.
Charles O’Bannon says he’s officially retired from playing after searching for another NBA gig and playing in Japan, tweets Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports. O’Bannon, the brother of former UCLA star Ed O’Bannon, spent two years in the NBA with the Pistons.

Heat Notes: Beasley, Oden, Mini MLE

September 17th, 2013 at 10:21am CST by Luke Adams

Since LeBron James took his talents to South Beach, no team besides the Heat has represented the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. However, former GM and current analyst Steve Kerr believes that will change in 2013/14. According to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, Kerr is picking the Bulls to unseat the Heat this season, as Miami faces the pressure of trying to three-peat.

"Emotionally, it's just exhausting to keep doing it year after year," Kerr said. "Particularly when you have to deal with everything Miami has to deal with on a daily basis, just the constant critiquing and scrutiny on the team, and then you factor in the injuries with [Dwyane] Wade and [Chris] Bosh and their health. I don't think Miami will get out of the East this year."

Here's more on the Heat:

The Heat "initially balked" when Michael Beasley's agent called the team to gauge its interest, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. However, Pat Riley reconsidered, and meeting with Beasley eased many of the concerns that Riley and Erik Spoelstra had, according to Jackson.
Ethan Skolnick of the Palm Beach Post examines the one-year contracts signed by Beasley and Greg Oden, exploring the duo's chances of making the team and earning minutes this year, along with the odds that either player returns for a second year in Miami.
Considering spending the mini mid-level exception would cost the Heat about $11MM in taxes and there aren't many free agents available worth more than the minimum, Miami is unlikely to spend its MLE, says Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Winderman leaves the door open for the Heat to add a player who is bought out later in the season, particularly if the club is able to find a taker for Joel Anthony, but the mid-level could very well go unused.

Eastern Rumors: LeBron, Cavs, Beasley, McGrady

September 14th, 2013 at 3:40pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Eastern Conference figures to be more competitive this time around, with Derrick Rose back to boost the Bulls, an improved Pacers squad, and the best team money can buy for the Nets all around to challenge the Heat. Still, the majority of Hoops Rumors readers who voted in yesterday's poll think the East will once more field the league's worst team, picking the Sixers to finish last. Here's the latest from the conference that has produced the last two champions and the last two teams to finish with the league's worst record:

The Cavaliers surely wouldn't mind it if LeBron James has a change of heart and wants to rejoin the wine-and-gold next summer, but the team isn't counting on him coming back to Cleveland, as Mary Schmitt Boyer of The Plain Dealer writes in her weekly mailbag column. Boyer also says she believes the Cavs are looking for another big man and a backup point guard, and she doesn't think a poor season for the team will mean the ouster of GM Chris Grant.
Mark Deeks of ShamSports confirms that Michael Beasley's minimum-salary contract with the Heat is essentially a training camp invitation, with no guaranteed money (Twitter link).
Tracy McGrady reveals to Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star that he wishes he never left the Raptors for Orlando in 2000, and he feels like the heavy minutes he played for the Magic took a toll on his body, which broke down long before most others do.
We rounded up news on Atlantic Division teams earlier today.

Eastern Notes: Livingston, Oladipo, Beasley

September 13th, 2013 at 11:17am CST by Luke Adams

It's not as easy as it used to be for NBA players to transition to front office positions, as Sam Amick details in his latest piece for USA Today. Still, the NBA Player's Association has tried to help its players become more familiar with the league's CBA, setting up events like a July seminar that featured presentations from several team executives. Shaun Livingston is one player who is appreciative of the NBPA's efforts.

"I'm really trying to take advantage of it," said the Nets guard. "And learn and soak everything in to where if I can study and meet the right people and stars can align then I can really create some good opportunities."

Here's more from around the Eastern Conference:

At a season ticket-holder's event in Orlando, second overall pick Victor Oladipo said that he "really didn't want to go to Cleveland," the team with the No. 1 pick. Oladipo has since apologized for offending Cavs fans, hinting that the comment was meant to reflect how much he wanted to land with the Magic. Evan Dunlap of Orlando Pinstriped Post has the details.
Heat fans are somewhat divided on the signing of Michael Beasley, so Ira Winderman's Friday mailbag for the South Florida Sun Sentinel is an extended all-Beasley edition, breaking down the move.
Tom Ziller of SBNation.com provides an interesting take on the concept of tanking and roster-building, with a focus on teams like the Sixers and Bucks.

Poll: Is Michael Beasley Worth The Risk?

September 11th, 2013 at 7:31pm CST by Alex Lee

The Heat announced earlier today that they have brought back Michael Beasley, who they let go three years ago after making the Kansas State product the No. 2 overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft. As our Luke Adams indicated today, few scouts question Beasley's natural ability, potentially making him the consummate buy-low reclamation project for a team like the Heat.

Beasley's deal with Miami is non-guaranteed and requires him to make the roster in training camp to secure his one-year minimum contract salary of $1MM, according to Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski. Woj agrees that Miami could be a good spot for Beasley, with a strong veteran leadership group and stability in place throughout the organization. He writes that several of the team's key veterans were supportive of the signing.

It certainly seems like many people, including the Heat brass, think this is a no-risk situation for Miami. But is it? Beasley's issues with marijuana are well-documented and his on-the-court statistics are headed in the wrong direction. Not only did the 6-foot-10 Beasley average a career-low in points and rebounds last season (10.1 and 3.8 per game), his PER has dropped every year since his rookie season. Coming off two titles and with one project already on the roster in Greg Oden, is adding the enigmatic Beasley worth the risk for the champs?

Heat Sign Michael Beasley

September 11th, 2013 at 3:39pm CST by Luke Adams

Three years after the Heat parted ways with their 2008 lottery pick, Michael Beasley is headed back to Miami. The Heat announced today (Twitter link) that Beasley has signed with the team, following his release from the Suns.

It won't cost the Heat anything to roll the dice on Beasley, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, who hears that the 24-year-old has agreed to a non-guaranteed, make-good contract. The source adds that the club considers the fall audition to be no-risk, and worth the gamble, according to Winderman.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports first reported over the weekend that Miami was weighing the possibility of signing Beasley. Team sources shot down the rumor to multiple local beat reporters, but it appears that was a smoke-screen, or the club either reconsidered its stance.

The second overall pick in the 2008 draft, Beasley had the least productive year of his career in 2012/13, setting career-lows in PPG (10.1), RPG (3.8), and FG% (.405), among other categories. It also marked the fifth straight season that his PER has declined, from 17.2 in his rookie year to 10.8 in '12/13.

The general consensus among NBA fans and observers suggests Beasley still has plenty of talent, which could shine through if he can get his off-court issues under control. As Mark Deeks of ShamSports.com wrote earlier today at SBNation.com though, there hasn't been a whole lot of evidence recently to suggest that the Kansas State product can be an above-average NBA contributor. Perhaps reuniting with Erik Spoelstra and Dwyane Wade in Miami will help Beasley to deliver on the promise he showed as a Wildcat.

The Heat currently have 13 players on guaranteed contracts, and have suggested there's a decent chance their regular-season roster won't include additional players. Still, Beasley becomes the fourth player the club will bring to camp on a non-guaranteed contract, so the team certainly figures to consider its options next month for those last two roster spots.

Odds & Ends: Bulls, Beasley, Heat, Cavaliers

September 11th, 2013 at 3:03pm CST by Luke Adams

Let's round up a few Wednesday odds and ends from around the NBA….

The Bulls have some good assets in the pipeline, such as Nikola Mirotic, a Bobcats first-round pick, and the opportunity to clear some cap space next summer. Nonetheless, this year's roster may provide Chicago its best chance at a title over the next few years, says Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com, wondering if 2013/14 will be the current core's final run.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times explores a similar topic, writing that the Bulls' apparent willingness to let Luol Deng hit unrestricted free agency in 2014 indicates the team may have its eye on other targets.
As teams consider whether to take a flier on free agent Michael Beasley, Mark Deeks of ShamSports.com cautions that Beasley's potential and talent may have been overstated. The troubled forward hasn't been effective since he played at Kansas State and has regressed in each of his NBA seasons, says Deeks.
Due to increasing tax penalties, many NBA teams, including the Heat, figure to be less inclined to carry the maximum 15 players this season, writes Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel in his latest mailbag.
In an Insider-only piece for ESPN.com, Amin Elhassan lists the top 30 potential free agents of 2014, ranked in order of their expected average annual salary.
The Cavaliers officially announced today that Steve Hetzel will coach the team's D-League affiliate, the Canton Charge.

Heat Rumors: Workouts, Beasley, Battier

September 9th, 2013 at 2:01pm CST by Luke Adams

2:01pm: Former Ohio State guard Je'Kel Foster will work out for the Heat as well, reports Charania. As our international tracker shows, Foster played in Germany last season.

1:33pm: In addition to the players mentioned below, the Heat also plan to work out free agents Julyan Stone and Vander Blue this week, according to Winderman.

1:15pm: Word broke over the weekend that the Heat may be considering the possibility of bringing back former second overall pick Michael Beasley, following his release by the Suns. While Miami's apparent level of interest varied from report to report, you can certainly make the case that Beasley would be a low-risk addition on a minimum-salary contract. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel acknowledges as much in his latest mailbag, but notes that the Heat have been reluctant to add other potential off-court distractions such as Stephen Jackson and DeShawn Stevenson, making a reunion with Beasley a long shot.

Here's more on the Heat:

Former Heat swingman Yakhouba Diawara expects to sign a deal with a Eurocup team this week, but will work out for Miami before then, according to Shams Charania of RealGM.com. The Pepperdine product has been weighing NBA and overseas options, and will work out for the Magic as well, but is likely to continue his career in Europe. As our international player movement tracker shows, Diaware played for Venezia in Italy in 2012/13.
Justin Holiday, released earlier this offseason by the Sixers, will also work out for the Heat, reports Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. Holiday, who is set to work out for the Jazz as well, aims to earn an NBA roster spot, and views an overseas contract as his Plan B, as he tells Haynes. Although he played in the D-League last season, Holiday isn't currently considering that possibility.
Shane Battier will contemplate the possibility of retiring when his current contract expires in 2014, but isn't ruling out free agent opportunities yet, as Winderman details at the Sun Sentinel. "This door is always open," Battier said of continuing his career for multiple years. "This is not a farewell tour, no. But if it is, it is. And I'll enjoy this year and try to make the most of it."
2012 second-rounder Justin Hamilton confirmed that he has signed with the Heat, via a tweet. We heard yesterday that Hamilton would be in camp with the team.

Suns Notes: Dragic, Gortat, Beasley

September 7th, 2013 at 8:36pm CST by Spencer Lund

The Suns will be running an uptempo offense under new head coach Jeff Hornacek next year. That's good news for ostensible starting point guard Goran Dragic writes Suns.com's Matt Peterson. Though Dragic could face some competition in the back-court from former Clippers backup Eric Bledsoe, who the Suns acquired in a three-team trade involving the Clippers and Bucks earlier this summer.

Goran has teamed with his brother Zoran Dragic for an impressive opening with the host country of Slovenia at EuroBasket 2013. After today's 72-68 win over Georgia, the Slovenian team is 3-0 during the European tournament – including an upset of defending champion Spain earlier this week. Dragic is a large reason why, and his play in the open court could fit nicely with Hornacek's plans for the offense next season.

Dragic isn't the only Suns player performing for his home country during EuroBasket 2013, but his teammate, Marcin Gortat, isn't faring as well.
Playing for the country of Poland, Peterson reports that Gortat recorded 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks during their a loss to Croatia that pushes them to a dismal 0-3 in the European championship tournament this year.
Former Suns forward Michael Beasley has reportedly drawn interest from the Heat, and Blazers Edge's Sam Tongue asks: "When are a player's off-the-court issues worth dealing with for NBA teams?"
Tongue compares Beasley to the early 2000s Blazers, who featured a host of players involved in off-the-court incidents like Beasley. Despite the behavior, players like Rasheed Wallace, Zach Randolph and Damon Stoudamire, got it done on the court.
But Tongue lumps Beasley in with three other "Jail" Blazers, Bonzi Wells, Ruben Patterson and Qyntel Woods, who weren't as productive as the first three mentioned, and who largely underperformed throughout their careers.
But RealGM columnist Jarrod Rudolph disagrees and tweets that Beasley is an All-Star talent who's a high reward, low risk addition in the right situation, which may be with the Heat.

Heat Open To Signing Michael Beasley?

September 7th, 2013 at 5:38pm CST by Chuck Myron

5:38pm: CBS Sports' Matt Moore believes the Heat are in the unique position where they can gamble on Beasley despite his on- and off-court issues, just like they have with Greg Oden despite his injury history.

Meanwhile, HoopsWorld's Steve Kyler is surprised at the reported interest from the Heat after what the Team said following his trade to the Timberwloves to free up "Big Three" cap space in 2010 (Twitter). But fellow HoopsWorld scribe Alex Kennedy reminded Kyler about the three beat reporters who have denied the initial report from Woj (Twitter).

Kyler also tweets that Beasley could work out if the Heat veterans are on board with the deal, and he buys into his role with the team since he still possesses the talent that made him the No. 2 pick in 2008.

3:43pm: The Heat are engaging in "due diligence" on Beasley, but they haven't talked to him yet, tweets Chris Mannix of SI.com.

3:09pm: A source tells Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald that there's no chance the Heat would sign Beasley, and a Heat insider tells Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel that there's no truth to Wojnarowski's report (Twitter links)

3:04pm: The Heat are considering bringing back Michael Beasley, their former No. 2 overall pick whom the Suns bought out this week, as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports. Several of the team's top players support the idea, and Beasley has interest in rejoining his original NBA team, according to Wojnarowski.

Beasley was never better than when he was with the Heat, as Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel pointed out today, but it's been a steady drop-off since then, with his PER declining in each of the four seasons since his rookie year. Beasley's arrest in August on a charge of marijuana possession is the latest chapter in his extensive history with the drug, and the Suns cited the need for a culture of professionalism when they let him go. Still, Phoenix is just a year removed from signing him to a three-year, $18MM contract, so it's clear that some within the league have been willing to overlook his faults.

Hoops Rumors readers are split on whether signing the 6'9" forward would be prudent for any team. The Heat have their $3.183MM taxpayer's mid-level exception available, but I'd be surprised if Beasley signed with them for more than the minimum, particularly considering the team's tax issues.

Spencer Lund contributed to this post.